John Robert Crawford

John Robert Crawford, 68, passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2026 with his loving wife and daughter by his side, after facing an aggressive form of cancer with incredible courage. He was born on September 1, 1957 in Richmond, Indiana to Robert and Gladys Crawford.

John met Susan, the one he would spend the rest of his life with, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They built a loving, nurturing, 42 ½ year marriage based on the values they committed themselves to in their wedding vows. John’s kindness, generosity, and sense of humor endeared him to all those who knew him. He was devoted to his family, loved traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends.

John’s 31-year career with the National Weather Service led John, Susan, and their daughter, Camille, to live in several different cities in Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana where they made friendships that would last a lifetime. John retired from the Slidell, Louisiana Weather Service office in 2019.

Many summer vacations were spent on Sanibel Island, Florida. He especially enjoyed walking the beach with his family for hours looking for seashells, then relaxing on the beach until the sun went down.

John was a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan. For their retirement fun, John and Susan traveled by car, with their 2 maltese pups in tow, from one end of the country to the other to watch their Saints play in some of the away games. The time spent together was worth more than any win or loss.

At home, John was an avid charcoal griller and chili pepper eater, particularly those he grew himself. Challenging people to eat peppers with him was a special delight of his.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Gladys (Crockett) Crawford. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Dyer), daughter, Camille Manuel (Tim), grandchildren, Eli and Sophia, brothers Rick (Daphne), Dave (Sheila), nephews Mason, Daren, Jacob, Nicholas, and niece Regan.

We will be forever grateful for the loving care, compassion and dedication of the nurses and aides of Brighton Bridge Hospice. They were truly a blessing to us. A very special heartfelt thank you to his nurse, Melinda, and CNA, Chassie, for their calming presence, exceptional care, and love shown to John throughout his final journey.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., with funeral Mass to follow at Christ the King Catholic Church in Lake Charles, LA, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Interment will follow the Mass at Highland Memory Gardens in Lake Charles, LA.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Brighton Bridge Hospice (https://www.brightonbridge.com/).